When Virat Kohli Disrespected and Rejected Jasprit Bumrah from Joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Unlike other successful teams that have built their core by investing in match-winners, RCB has often faltered, especially at the auction table. One such big miss came in IPL 2014, when the team had a chance to bring in Jasprit Bumrah, but the move was reportedly blocked by Virat Kohli. So, what really happened that led to RCB missing out on one of India’s best fast bowlers?

Parthiv Patel Recalls When Kohli Called Bumrah “Useless” During RCB Selection

Jasprit Bumrah is now a household name in Indian cricket and one of the most feared fast bowlers across formats. His success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Mumbai Indians (MI) has played a major role in shaping his career. Over the years, Bumrah has become a match-winner for MI, delivering under pressure and winning games with his deadly yorkers and pace. However, things could have been very different if Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had shown faith in him during his early days.

In a chat with former cricketer Virender Sehwag on Cricbuzz, Parthiv Patel revealed an interesting story from 2014, when he was a part of the RCB squad. At that time, Parthiv had suggested to then-captain Virat Kohli to take a look at a young bowler named Jasprit Bumrah. Parthiv had seen Bumrah’s potential and believed he had the talent to perform at the highest level.

‘Ye Bumrah-Vumrah kya karenge’ – Parthiv Patel recalls Virat Kohli’s words in IPL 2014 while considering Jasprit Bumrah#viratkohli #JaspritBumrah #ipl2022 pic.twitter.com/fxriPfIFon

— SPORTSPICKS (@thesportspicks) March 28, 2022

However, Kohli reportedly dismissed the idea with a casual remark: “Chhod na yaar, ye Bumrah-Vumrah kya karenge?”. This comment reflected how Bumrah wasn’t seen as a serious option for RCB back then. The franchise didn’t pick him up, and that moment turned out to be a big missed opportunity. Not long after, Mumbai Indians spotted the talent, backed him, and gave him consistent chances to prove himself.

Parthiv also mentioned that Bumrah’s rise wasn’t easy. When he started playing domestic cricket, his performance in the first two to three years wasn’t remarkable. He made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2013, but by 2015, things got so difficult that there were even talks of sending him back mid-season due to poor form. But the Mumbai Indians management never gave up on him. They showed faith, and Bumrah responded with hard work, improvement, and discipline. Patel said:

When he was first picked, Bumrah played Ranji Trophy for the first 2-3 years. 2013 was his first year, and he didn’t have a good season in 2014. In 2015, it was so bad that there were discussions going on that he might have to be sent back home mid-season. But he slowly began improving and Mumbai Indians really backed him. It was his own hard work and such backing that really brought out the best in him.

On This Day in 2013, Jasprit Bumrah made his IPL Debut for MI against RCB in Bengaluru.

Bumrah vs Virat: 4 4 0 4 Wpic.twitter.com/sJ3UJXJeEm

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) April 4, 2025

Since then, Bumrah has become one of the cornerstones of the MI bowling lineup. He has delivered in crunch matches, defended low totals, and picked wickets consistently. His bowling at the death overs has been game-changing. Bumrah’s journey is a perfect example of how talent needs proper guidance, faith, and opportunity to shine. While RCB continues to struggle for an IPL title even after many seasons, MI has enjoyed great success and Bumrah has been one of the key reasons. This story reminds fans how one decision can change the fate of a player and a franchise.

Jasprit Bumrah’s IPL Journey and Impactful Contribution to Mumbai Indians

As a young player making his IPL debut in 2013, Jasprit Bumrah instantly turned heads when he picked the prized wicket of Virat Kohli as his maiden scalp. Bowling with an unorthodox action and fierce pace, Bumrah looked promising from the very beginning. However, after that initial spark, his next two seasons in 2013 and 2014 didn’t make much noise. He featured in just a handful of games and could only manage three wickets in 2013 and five in 2014.

But behind the scenes, Mumbai Indians had found a rare gem as someone who would soon become their most dependable weapon and the face of their bowling attack. From 2016 onwards, Bumrah’s rise was nothing short of exceptional. That season, he picked up 15 wickets from 14 matches and began to show signs of the death-overs specialist he would become. Though his average was 27.06, his accuracy and control at the back end of the innings gave MI a strong edge.

Since 2018, no pacer has taken more IPL wickets than Jasprit Bumrah : 123 scalps to his name.
But what truly sets him apart? An economy rate of just 6.91 in this period – the best among all bowlers who’ve bowled at least 35 overs…
In fact, he’s the only pacer among the top 12… pic.twitter.com/LXmJyMg6ux

— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) April 20, 2025

The real breakout came in 2017 when Bumrah claimed 20 wickets in 16 matches with an average of 21.95. He played a crucial role in helping Mumbai lift their third IPL title that year. His nerve in pressure situations, especially in the death overs, gave the side a huge advantage. Whether it was executing yorkers or mixing in the slower balls, Bumrah had become Rohit Sharma’s go-to bowler.

In 2019, he picked up 19 wickets in 16 games with a brilliant economy of 6.63. His performances were critical in MI winning their fourth IPL trophy. Bumrah’s ability to break partnerships and bowl crucial overs meant he was constantly delivering when it mattered the most. Then came 2020, arguably one of his finest seasons as In 15 matches, Bumrah took 27 wickets at an average of just 14.96. His economy rate stood at 6.73 and strike rate at 13.33. He was virtually unplayable that season and one of the biggest reasons why Mumbai lifted their fifth title. His lethal spells in the playoffs, especially against Delhi Capitals, showcased his class at the biggest stage.

19 year old Jasprit Bumrah joined Mumbai Indians on this day in 2013. The biggest and the greatest find of IPL. pic.twitter.com/OytGJhN19x

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 3, 2025

Even in 2021 and 2022, Bumrah remained consistent, grabbing 21 and 15 wickets respectively. His best IPL bowling figures of 5 for 10 came in 2022, underlining his ability to single-handedly dominate a match. Despite Mumbai struggling as a team during those seasons, Bumrah stood tall and kept delivering with the ball. In 2024, he bounced back in style with 20 wickets from 13 matches, including a fiery 5 for 21. He averaged just 16.80 that season, showing that even after years of wear and tear, Bumrah remained one of the best in the business. His 2025 campaign so far has been a steady one too, with 4 wickets in 4 games at an economy of 7.34.

Across his IPL career, Bumrah has played 137 matches and bowled 3147 balls, taking 169 wickets at an average of 22.66 and economy of 7.30. His ability to keep the pressure on while striking regularly is what makes him so valuable. Jasprit Bumrah has been the backbone of the Mumbai Indians bowling lineup. From being a raw talent in 2013 to becoming a leader and match-winner, he has been instrumental in MI’s success and all five title triumphs while the other teams are craving for a bowler like him in their team.